Sling TV unveils new multi-stream service with Fox channels

Sling TV unveiled a new $20 monthly subscription service that includes channels from 21st Century Fox and a new feature that allows for three simultaneous streams on different devices.

The Dish Network Corp.-owned streaming service that continues to serve blows to traditional pay TV subscriptions is adding FX, Fox regional sports networks and the Fox network broadcast in 17 markets initially, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal. As an added bonus, Sling subscribers get access to on-demand programming of popular shows “Empire” and the entire library of “The Simpsons.”

“Since launch, our customers have asked for more channels and multiple streams,” Sling TV Chief Executive Officer Roger Lynch said in a statement.

While the extra channels are a “first step” toward those request, Lynch said, the multiple streams should be gladly welcomed. More than 1 million pay TV subscribers ditched their subscriptions last year as cord-cutting continues to bite into the cable TV industry. The multiple streams allow up to three different family members in a household, for instance, to watch different programs on their television, tablet or smartphone at the same.

While the subscription service that includes Fox allows for multiple streams, don’t expect to see Disney-owned channels in that lineup. That means no ESPN.

So, while sports fans can watch sporting events on their regional Fox channel, they won’t have a complete experience. CBS and Comcast’s NBCUniversal haven’t worked out deals with Sling at this point to offer their respective sports channels, either. A Disney spokeswoman told The Journal the company is in “active discussions” about the multi-stream service.

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Author Andrew Dodson

Andrew Dodson is a journalist who has worked in Michigan and Colorado. Email him at [email protected]Disclosure: Streaming Observer is supported by readers. Articles may contain referral links. For more information, see the disclosure at the bottom of the page.